It was a double medal day for top Welsh athlete Dewi Griffiths on Sunday as he put in an amazing performance at the M&D Care Llanelli Half marathon, winning first place and the Welsh Half Marathon Championship at the event. This came as no surprise to the race organisers since the champ has represented Team GB and is the 2nd fastest Welsh male all time half marathon and marathon runner.
David Martin-Jewell, Race Director said:
“It was fantastic to see Dewi, all the elites and our runners put in such a fantastic effort at the Llanelli Half Marathon yesterday. It was a challenging event with tough conditions, but this made it all the more worthwhile for those participating. We were delighted to see everyone take part in what has been a difficult time for us all. Yesterday was a testament to the people who came together to make events like ours so special. Our heartfelt thanks go to all those who have supported and stuck with us through this time as we wouldn’t be able to do it without our runners, dedicated volunteers, and staff. We look forward to an incredible event in 2022!”
The Llanelli Half Marathon was last staged just before the pandemic broke in the UK back in March 2020 and was one of the last events to take place before lockdown. Despite the gap in organised running events in Wales, runners were keen to take part in the long-awaited race. They took to the route in what began as a sunny October day to run the undulating 13.1 miles course in conditions which were very challenging for the even the most experienced runner. Despite the wind, rain and hail there were many excited to achieve PB’s at the finish with dozens already signing up to the 2022 event!
After Michael Bevan, Director of Operations at M&D Care, set the runners on their way, he said:
“Despite the harsh weather conditions, it was a fantastic event that brought the whole community together. As a local family-run business we feel that now, more than ever, that it’s important to come together to support events that promote good health and wellbeing. We are passionate about our community and events like these show that together we can achieve and overcome any barriers put in front of us. Well done to all those who took part in the M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon, you were amazing!”
The elite field remained competitive and alongside the Swansea Harrier Dewi Griffiths who achieved 1st place in a time of 1:09:14, was Andrew Horsfall-Turner winning 2nd place in 1:14:11, and Sam Humphrey of Victoria Park Harriers who took 3rd place in 1:15:02.
The women’s race was equally competitive, and 1st place went Sioned Howells of Amman Valley Harriers, in an impressive 1:20:28. 2nd place went to Donna Morris of Builth & District in a time of 1:21:15 and 3rd place went to Carys Mai Hughes in 1:22:50.
Also taking part was Welsh TV presenter, endurance adventurer and athlete Lowri Morgan. She’s well-known for presenting Scrum V and the World Rally Championships and an avid runner that’s not afraid of a challenge. This year was the first time Lowri had participated in the M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon, yet was the 5th female to finish. She commented:
“Thank you also to Front Runner Events for a fantastic race and an unexpected 5th place result! I was buzzing from all the support from spectators and fellow runners. It was inspiring! The first 6 miles were a real struggle and I had to dig deep and resist the temptation to walk or even quit. BUT on mile 8 I saw my 6-year-old son – a cwtsh (big cuddle) and kiss was just what I needed to dig even deeper to rediscover my running mojo. All of a sudden I felt strong, motivated and enjoyed the last 5 miles. It was my first time racing this race but I’ll be back ready (and better prepared) in 2022!”
